But it does seem curious that the archdiocese is complaining about a secular court’s ruling. They were the ones who asked for such a ruling by taking this case to court, were they not? The secular courts will rule on the legality of the corporation documents. They don’t care about what the Vatican says about the theology. The bottom line is that for the foreseeable future, the material assets are untouchable. And the St Louis episcopal ministry has long ago lost a grasp on the spiritual. It all stings, I’m sure. It’s a darned embarrassment. But I don’t see what is to be accomplished by heading to higher secular courts. Except perhaps a pyrrhic victory.

The pastor of St Stans:

“We’re walking on clouds right now,” said Mr. Bozek, who led a celebratory service on Thursday evening that featured readings from Exodus, which gives an account of Jews leaving Egypt for the Promised Land. “The divine finger was in all of this, so it’s a natural reaction to say: ‘Let’s pray. Let’s give thanks to God for all of this.’ ”

about Todd Flowerday

A Roman Catholic lay person, married (since 1996), with one adopted child (since 2001). I serve in worship and spiritual life in a midwestern university parish.

about John Donaghy

John is a lay missionary since 2007 with a parish in western Honduras. Before that he served in campus ministry and social justice ministry in Iowa. His ministry blog is http://hermanojuancito.blogspot.com

He also blogs reflections on the lectionary and saints/heroes/events of the date at http://walktheway.wordpress.com

He'll be a long-term contributor here analyzing the Latin American bishops' document from their 2007 Aparecida Conference.